# space policy
Latest news and articles about space policy
Total: 4 articles found
Why SpaceX Bought xAI: Musk’s Vision to Move Big AI into Orbit and Power It with Stellar Energy
SpaceX has acquired Elon Musk’s xAI and, via an internal memo, framed the move as the first step toward hosting large AI systems in orbit powered by solar energy. The plan leverages SpaceX’s Starlink constellation and launch capabilities to propose a new, space‑based infrastructure for AI, but faces major technical, environmental and regulatory hurdles.
US Crewed Lunar Flyby Postponed as Severe Cold Grounds Launch Plans
A US crewed lunar flyby mission was postponed after an extreme cold spell compromised launch-commit criteria for cryogenic propellants and ground systems. The delay highlights technical vulnerabilities to severe weather, risks cascading schedule impacts across lunar programme milestones, and carries political and commercial consequences for U.S. space leadership.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard Flies Six on Another Brief Suborbital Joyride — A Small But Persistent Chapter in Commercial Space Tourism
Blue Origin’s New Shepard completed a crewed suborbital flight on 22 January, carrying six passengers for about ten minutes of microgravity. The mission underscores steady demand for short, commercial space experiences and highlights the company’s role in the maturing suborbital tourism market amid competition and regulatory scrutiny.
China’s Shenzhou-20 Return Capsule Touches Down at Dongfeng, Underscoring Rising Operational Maturity
China reported the successful landing of the Shenzhou-20 return capsule at the Dongfeng recovery site, marking the end of a mission phase and demonstrating the operational maturity of its crewed-space infrastructure. The touchdown underscores Beijing’s move toward routine human spaceflight operations and strengthens both the technical and political foundations of its programme.